Ms. Catherine Decker
Office: Blake D, 245-5513
Useful Information: You can leave messages for me in my mailbox on the second floor of Blake E. For emergencies during the week, try 1-546 5349; for the weekend, 1-315-428-1327.
Office Hours: after class and by appointment; I will announce additional hours as needed.
Texts: more on this later
Objectives: Our major goal is to write clear, effective prose that is grammatically correct. In
addition, we will work on mastering the conventions of formal standard English. We will learn how
to select the best tone and method of development for a particular topic, as well as how to analyze
both our own and other's arguments.
Class Policy:
1) All papers must be typed and follow the current MLA (Modern Language Association) Style Sheet. Papers not proofread will be penalized.
2) I will lower your grade if you miss class and turn assignments in late. If you miss your class presentations, you fail that presentation. I will not penalize you in cases of illness or emergency.
3) Turn in two copies of each paper. I keep one copy on file and return it to you in May.
Class Schedule
Tuesday January 30: Grammar Review
Thursday February 1: Revision
Revised Essay Due
Tuesday February 6: Grammar Presentations
Thursday February 8: "How to Read"; Methods of Development
Tuesday February 13: "Politics and the English Language"
Summary Due
Thursday February 15: Revision; Poetry